My 16yr old son and I will be heading to the BWCA in a week for our 2nd trip 6 days. Going in at ep 16. We are going to push it (for us) to get to Oyster on the first day at a decent time. We will then go to Ge-be-on-e-quet to stay for 3 nights with day trips to pocket and LLC. Then back to Oyster for the last night. Any tips or suggestions would be appreciated.

My suggestion is to get into the habit of asking yourself the all important question "do we have everything"?

A good question to ask on that last trip across a portage and after breaking camp. I always scan the site / portage landing thoughly before leaving.

The other suggestion is to implement an actual plan to stay hydrated. For example........we will drink a liter at every portage landing etc. etc.

I usually drink a fairly massive quantity of water each morning.

Your hydration watchwords should be the backpackers motto "clear and copious". In other words your urine should be clear and you should be going often. Make sure that bailer is handy (cut down small bleach bottle makes an excellent urinal).

It's a bit dated but, the end of this trip report tells of our experiences on Oyster, Ge-Be etc. Perhaps, you'll find some of that information useful?

Thanks to both, We learned our lessen last year on making sure you have water before portaging and staying hydrated, Thank you for the reminder. Wonderful trip report, really enjoyed reading it.

If the weather gets a little wild or if you just like walking in the woods, don't forget there's a neat little hiking trail in that area (the Sioux Hustler). Easy to follow -- unlike the Disappointment Trail, at least in my experience -- and a nice way to spend an afternoon if the bugs ain't too bad and you're sick of catching fish. :)

Enjoy your trip! Stop on the way in or out on the river and climb to Top'O'The World rock and check out the view.